Lock downs in other countries and air-space restrictions due to COVID-19 means not every Canadian citizen trapped abroad may be able to return home.
That’s according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who on Saturday once again urged Canadians stuck abroad to try and get home while they still can.
“As we make these decisions, factors like the number of Canadians there, air-space closures, and the local situation are being taken into account,” Trudeau said. “Now we won’t be able to reach everyone, but we’re going to do our best to help those we can.”
For those who will remain stuck, he’s asking them to make safe decisions, to stay in touch with Global Affairs, and to not head to airports unless they have a confirmed seat on a flight back. It’s as Canadian is working with airlines to arrange flights to countries where Canadians are.
An Air Canada flight bringing a group of Canadians home from Morocco is expected to land in Montreal today, while other flights from Peru and Spain are likely to be announced soon.
The government will help cover some of the costs for these flights, but people will expected to pay a reasonable price as well.
Potential for a National Emergency Declaration
With several Canadian provinces declaring states of emergencies due to COVID-19, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also asked if he has plans to declare a national emergency.
“At this time, we do not see the federal emergencies act as an essential tool today,” he said. “But we are continuing to look at the situation and we will make decisions based on the best recommendations of science.”
The Federal Emergencies Act will allow cabinet to access federal money quicker, but it could also mean a sharp restriction on personal freedoms in Canada as the government will be able to ban things like public gatherings and domestic travel by closing highways.
“I think the key issue is, ‘are there things that we need to be able to do as a government that we cannot do with the very strong existing regulations that are in place and that our government has as tools?'”
Trudeau says he is heartened that millions of Canadians have already self-isolated and are maintaining social distancing to prevent the spread of this virus.
“We know that in many global crises or situations, individuals feel powerless to make a difference. In this situation, people can affect their health, and the health of their neighbours, by taking straightforward steps to self isolate and to keep social distancing to a maximum.”
A number of provinces and municipalities, including both British Columbia and Kamloops, have already declared their own states of emergency.
